Update: Commerce - Talladega, Lincoln and Munford by Consolidated Publishing Co.

UPDATE Commerce:

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

TALLADEGA, LINCOLN & MUNFORD

talladega commerce

2A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

Chamber connects businesses, residents By LAURA NATION-ATCHISON Home Lifestyles editor

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

The Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce building in Talladega.

dress from the era, the city’s formation in 1935,” Ferguson said. With Bice’s performance the same evening, Ferguson said many who want to enjoy both can plan to do so. “They can come for dinner, and then still get to Bice’s performance at 8 p.m.,” he said. Details for the Anniversary Parade, along with having vendors in place, the fireworks show, a DVD of Talladega history and a performance from the Talladega High School drama participants are forthcoming. There are also plans for creating a time capsule for the occasion of the anniversary. There are also the traditional chamber events this year, every year the organization hosts its Chamber Celebration and salutes its businesses and community leaders. This year’s Celebration was held Feb. 10 at the Gilchrest Room, where a Small, Medium and Large Business of the Year were saluted, along with a NonProfit Organization of the Year. The event also recognizes a Citizen of the Year for the greater Talladega area during the banquet. The Greater Talladega Area Chamber has been in place for 50 years, and now includes a second office to serve the Lincoln area. The Talladega office is located just off the east side of the downtown square, and the Lincoln office, at 176 Magnolia St., is in the old Lincoln School rock building. The chamber has had a number of projects in the works in recent weeks with the county’s two other chamber organizations, the Childersburg Chamber and the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, Ferguson said. Working together, the chambers are focusing on highlighting the area’s offerings for tourists, residents and businesses and industry. “We’re all very excited about what’s going on,” Ferguson said.

Historic downtown Lincoln gets facelift By ELSIE HODNETT Home staff writer

See Lincoln, Page 4A

Mack Ferguson has headed up the Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce since March 2009. 2010 brings a variety of new events and promotions for the area.

He noted a Web site effort between the organizations that can be multifaceted. The site is designed to steer tourism, but also to bring new business and residents. “The Web site will make it much easier for people to find locations for their business or for a home,” he said. There are listings on the site, made available by working with area Realtors, along with home listings. The three chambers are

also joining to promote special shopping events, Ferguson said. This past Christmas season, the chamber promoted a new “Hollyshopping” event, for instance, joining merchants together to highlight their goods. 2009 also brought a new tourism publication to promote the entire area served by the three chambers. The glossy magazine has been placed in rest areas and other places likely to attract visitors to

American Idol runnerup Bo Bice performs for Talladega’s 175th Anniversary Celebration March 26.

Mint Julep

Talladega County. Speaking of recruiting new residents, Ferguson said there is new interest in Talladega County as retirees find higher prices in real estate and taxes moving southward. “Higher costs toward the South are pushing people back this way,” Ferguson said. “I call them half-backs — people are moving halfway back toward the places they originally came from.” The movement puts Talladega County in a very good place, he said, with

Monthly Business After Hours events are hosted by members to provide a connection between business owners and the community. Memberships in the chamber are based on a business’s number of employees, as well as the type organization that is represented. The chamber Board of Directors is a volunteer group, representing membership from small and large businesses, individuals and professionals in the community. The Greater Talladega Area Chamber office is open for regular hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The telephone number is 256-362-9075.

Idol winner Reuben Studdard is part of the 175th Anniversary and comes to town March 27 to perform.

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Lincoln officials are working to improve the old downtown area and make it an attractive draw for both residents and businesses. “Our downtown revitalization project has been in the works for several years,” Mayor Lew Watson said. “We are glad to see that project become a reality.” Watson said in 2007, Lincoln was awarded a $150,000 transportation enhancement fund grant. The federal share is 80

percent, with a 20 percent city match. The project was awarded in August 2009, and construction started in November 2009. Jane Reed Ross, landscape architect and project manager for Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Inc., said the project would cover approximately one city block in old downtown Lincoln. The streetscape improvements and park development occur on McClain Avenue and James Avenue between Magnolia and McCarthy

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

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If you want to talk about excitement in Talladega, all you have to do is talk to Mack Ferguson, executive director for the Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce. This year is bringing all kinds of fun to town, with new ways to connect the city’s business community with residents, potential businesses and new residents as well. Ferguson, who joined the chamber as executive director last March, is bursting with enthusiasm for the events and new efforts under way to promote the Talladega area. “We are absolutely thrilled,” Ferguson said. “There is so much going on.” One of the biggest events taking place this year is the celebration of the city’s 175th anniversary. From entertainment and history to fireworks and other fun, chamber volunteers are lining up a great time for everyone. The celebration takes place the weekend of March 27 and 28 and will bring two top Alabama entertainers to town, a “period” gala dinner dance in the Gilchrest Room on the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind campus, a parade through town and much more. It’s all a collaborative effort between the city of Talladega, the chamber and Antique Talladega and it’s planned to have something for all ages to enjoy, Ferguson said. Performances from American Idol winners Bo Bice and Reuben Studdard over the anniversary weekend already have the telephones ringing for tickets, Ferguson said. Bice comes to Talladega Ritz Theatre for one show only for the celebration, appearing Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m. Tickets for Bice’s show are $32 for floor seats and $28 for seats in the theatre’s mezzanine level. The very next evening, Saturday, March 27, Studdard performs at The Ritz with two shows, one at 5 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. Tickets for Studdard’s show are $25 for floor seats and $22 for the mezzanine. “These performances give a fantastic opportunity for people to see our Alabama American Idols,” Ferguson said. “And tickets are already going fast, so we urge everyone to go ahead and reserve their seats.” Also during the weekend anniversary celebration, there’s a Gala Dinner Dance to add to the events. It takes place Friday night, March 26, at the Gilchrest Room starting at 6 p.m. Live entertainment and dance music is from the Tradewinds Band from St. Clair County and tickets for the evening are $50 per couple. “We’re even promoting period dress for the gala, and people can come in

its climate, lake and river access and recreational outlets, Ferguson said. “Our cost of living is a lot lower, and we have outstanding medical facilities as well,” he said. Having interstate and major thoroughfare access works well in the area’s favor, as well, Ferguson said. I-20 and U.S. 280 offer easy access along major roads to business and residential areas. The Greater Talladega Area Chamber also encourages youth involvement with two programs, the Chamber Ambassadors and the Leadership Ambassadors. Both volunteer groups of students become active in community events by serving in a variety of capacities, Ferguson said. The Chamber Ambassadors number 22 students in grades eight through 12, and help staff events for occasions such as the yearly Hall of Fame Inductees held at Davey Allison Memorial Park in Talladega, events at The Ritz Theatre and for occasions such as April in Talladega. The chamber’s 18 Leadership Ambassadors join in chamber activities one day a month, most recently taking part in a trip for Legislative Day in Montgomery, Ferguson said. Membership in the Greater Talladega Area Chamber now numbers close to 300, Ferguson said.

TALLADEGA COMMERCE

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sundday, February 14, 2010 — 3A

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4A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

Lincoln From Page 2A

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

The main portion of the restaurant can seat approximately 100 people.

Restaurant now has extra space for extra customers By ELSIE HODNETT Home staff writer

Montana Saloon & Grill in Lincoln has recently expanded to better accommodate customers. “We needed extra space for customers, especially during race weekends (at the Talladega Superspeedway),” said Diane Smith, who owns Montana Saloon & Grill with her husband, Bobby. Smith said Montana Saloon & Grill first opened in 2002. “We first added The Billings Room in 2007, to offer customers a place for private parties and functions,” she said. “We had a lot of customers who wanted a place to have a private party. And Lincoln is a good central location for many of our customers.” Smith said even with The Billings Room, another addition was needed due to customer demand. “In 2009, we were originally going to add a patio, but we enclosed it and created a smoking section.” Smith said the 1,400 square-foot addition can seat 40-50 people. “The main portion of the restaurant can seat approximately 100 people,” she said. “And the new smoking room has created a smoke-free environment in the rest of the restaurant.” Smith said the smoking portion is attached to the main restaurant, but has doors and walls that separate it from the main eating area. “I think a lot of our non-smoking customers enjoy the new smoke-free atmosphere in the main section,” she said. Smith said the smoking room is equipped with four new big screen TVs. The main restaurant has 22 TVs. “We began as a sports bar originally, and we kept the TVs on sports channels as we have kept a sports theme,” she said. “But we have evolved to more of a family and casual dining restaurant environment.” Smith said the menu contains a wide variety of items. “We have a little bit of everything,” she said. “Our steaks are probably the most popular thing, but we also have chicken wings, oysters on the halfshell, sandwiches, and we just recently added pizza to our menu.” Smith said Montana Saloon & Grill has a full bar service and wine. “The Billings Room is a private club which allows us to serve alcohol there on Sundays,” she said. Smith said The Billings

Room is a separate building from the main restaurant. “It is completely selfcontained, with its own entrance, bathrooms, and more,” she said. “The Billings Room can seat approximately 70 people for dinner, and hold approximately 100 people for meetings and other functions.” Smith said despite the economy, Montana Saloon & Grill has continued to do well. “We just started offering off-site catering,” she said. “We hired an experienced caterer for that portion of the business,

streets. The work includes sidewalk renovation, pedestrian street lights, shade tree islands in the parking areas, paving of streets, and landscaping. The property between the two avenues will have the grades smoothed to gentle slopes, grassed and tree plantings for the creation of a half-acre town green or park. A brick crosswalk will lead from the buildings on McClain Avenue to a central set of steps that connect to the green. The resurfacing of the roads portion of the project was not grant eligible, and the city is paying for that portion of the project. “The downtown revi-

talization project is a twofold project,” Watson said. “We want to beautify the downtown area, and bring in new businesses.” Watson said there are a number of vacant buildings in the downtown area that could accommodate new businesses. “By making the downtown area a very attractive place for people to come to, we are hoping the local businesses already located in the downtown area will see an increase in business,” he said. “And we hope new businesses will choose to locate in the downtown area due to the attractiveness of the area.” Watson said in midJanuary that construction was on hold due to weather conditions, and the contractors were wait-

ing for period lighting to arrive. “The flagpole has arrived, but the contractors are probably waiting on the period lighting to arrive before setting those at the project,” he said. Watson estimated it would be at least mid-February or March before weather conditions improve enough for the contractors to begin paving. “It will depend on the weather,” he said. Despite the delay, Watson said he has received positive feedback from the community. “I have had several residents say how pleased they are with the project,” he said. “Our residents like the improvements to the downtown area.”

and are getting our feet wet with off-site catering of various events.” Smith said there are no current expansion plans. “We just finished one expansion, which we hope will accommodate our customers for now,” she said. “We plan to stay in Lincoln. The community has been very supportive, and so have our customers from surrounding areas.” Montana Saloon & Grill is open MondayThursday from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

‘We just finished one expansion, which we hope will accommodate our customers for now. We plan to stay in Lincoln. The community has been very supportive, and so have our customers from surrounding areas.’

—Diane Smith

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

Lincoln’s historic downtown is getting a facelift that includes everything from landscaping to sidewalks to period lighting.

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THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010 — 5A

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

Everett King with ERA Real Estate said the lake provides a “second home” market as well as those looking to live on the lake full time.

Citi Trends will soon be open in Talladega in the old Food World location.

Some growth seen in county By MEREDITH McCAY Home staff writer

North Talladega County has experienced a bit of growth in the past year, which is a promising sign to the chamber and local governments. The Greater Talladega/ Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce has seen seven new businesses or new owners of businesses become members in the last year. Those new businesses include Mint Julep, Designer Shoes and More, Verizon Wireless, a Holiday Inn Express and the Health and Herb Shop in Talladega. In Lincoln, ERA King Real Estate opened a new office in 2009 and a new owner at Race City Diner also joined the chamber within the past year. The Glass House also opened in Munford within the past year or so, but that seems to be the only new business in that area. The owners of that restaurant are not yet members of the chamber, and Munford Town Hall did not mention any additional information about the newest addition to its local business. Lincoln also saw a Pilot Travel Center, Ranos (a Mexican restaurant), Pano’s Italian Grill and a Chinese Star restaurant open in addition to the businesses that joined the chamber. Lincoln Mayor Lew Watson said he is happy to see restaurants moving into the area, and believes they will be successful because they have correctly read the needs of their customers. “People are still looking for an opportunity where they can still have a successful business,” Watson said. “These restaurants opening up in the last year is an example of that. There is a market, and these people are fulfilling their customers’ needs in that market.” Everett King with ERA Real Estate said the way his Lincoln office is succeeding is having only one other real estate office as competition and having two separate markets in the area. King said the lake provides a large “second home” market as well as those looking to live on the lake full time. It also doesn’t hurt that Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC is also showing signs of recovery after a bit of a downturn. “The housing markets in Lincoln are Hondadependent,” King said. “But they are working all shifts again. When they initially slowed production, there were about 20 new subdivisions on the ground. It’s a lot better than it was because when Honda is better, everything is better.” The two distinct markets in Lincoln have allowed realtors to continue to sell to, say, a couple who work out of Anniston and Birmingham and want

somewhere in the middle to live. And King said those who look for housing near their recreational water activities have also continued to look for vacation homes. King said the population in Lincoln almost tripled when Honda came along, going from about 2,000 up to 5,000 to 6,000 residents in a short time. But he hopes Honda will do even better in the future to increase sales of homes in the area. “Honda needs to start hiring,” King said. “Then the existing and new home market will really turn around.” Chris Stone, director of community development in Talladega, also noted a few additional businesses that have opened or will open in Talladega soon, but have not joined the chamber as of the publication of this section. Those businesses include Hibbett Sports, Citi Trends and LMO and Company. Also, Stone said the local Wal-Mart is planning a large-scale renovation in the near future to add to the economic growth of the city. “Any new business and the resulting additional tax dollars will help ease the burden of the current economic climate and declining revenues,” Stone said. “I think that it is extremely encouraging to have new businesses open and existing ones expand. Land and building prices are down as well as interest rates, so the cost of commercial development is not as high as it has been in years past.” Stone also believes the city can work with private developers to accelerate the development and permitting process and provide incentives for new businesses. The city is also able to explore what type of grant or loan programs may be available for those businesses by utilizing its community development department as a “one-stop shop” for potential customers. Mack Ferguson, executive director of the Greater Talladega/Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, is glad to see any new businesses opening in the county, no matter how small or large those stores and restaurants might be. “It is encouraging to me, and other people in our community, to see these businesses opening,” Ferguson said. “Regardless of the size of the businesses, it encourages and spurs others who might have been holding back to hire, expand or hang on a little longer. If they were already in operation, they might have needed to see that new businesses open to encourage them to try. “We have experienced tough times with businesses closing and concerns about the tax base. With these new businesses, their direct economic impact may not make a huge difference, but it cascades and builds to where the entire community really gets the benefit.”

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010 — 7A

6A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

BUSINESSES... from decades past to decades to come. Each year brings new opportunities for continuing growth and progress. These businesses in The Daily Home coverage area have shaped our communities' future. Read about them here...

Over 160 Years First National Bank of Talladega Since 1848 120 E. North Street Talladega Branch (256) 362-2334 Lincoln Branch (205) 763-7763 Munford Branch (256) 358-9000 The Daily Home Talladega (256) 362-1000 Sylacauga (256) 249-4311 Pell City (205) 884-3400 www.dailyhome.com

Over 150 Years

71-80 Years Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary 1702 W. Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-2421 Heritage South Federal Credit Union 60 Gene Stewart Blvd & 901 Broadway Ave. N Sylacauga www.myhscu.com B. B. Comer Memorial Library Dr. Shirley Spears 314 N Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 249-0961

Talladega Insurance Agency 109 North Spring St. Imerys Pigment & Additives Talladega (256) 362-4153 1301 Gene Stewart Blvd. Sylacauga (256) 249-4901

101-135 Years

Brannon’s Office City 144 N. East Street Talladega (256) 362-6104

The Ark Restaurant 13030 US Hwy 78 Riverside (205) 338-7420

61-70 Years

Wooten, Thornton, Carpenter, O’Brien, Lazenby, & Lawrence Coosa Valley Electric 212 North Street W. Cooperative Talladega (256) 362-0081 69220 Alabama Hwy. 77 Talladega (256) 362-4180 Alabama Bag Company PO Box 576 Haynes Sewing Machine Co. Talladega (256) 362-4921 1008 Gurnee Ave. Anniston (256) 236-2021 Palace Drugs 216 N Broadway Ave. CardioVascular Associates, P.C. Sylacauga (256) 245-4381 209 West Spring Street Sylacauga (256) 245-5833 Union State Bank 201 Medical Office Park 15 N. 20th St. Talladega (256) 480-6300 Pell City (205) 884-1520 www.cvapc.com Kilgroe Funeral Home Steed Timber Co., Inc. Since 1908 Hwy 77 N. 2219 2nd Ave. N. Lincoln (205) 763-7761 Pell City (205) 338-3341

91-100 Years

Craddock Health Center 209 W Spring Street Suite #200 Sylacauga (256) 249-1100

81-90 Years

Usrey Brown Service Funeral Home 516 North St. Talladega (256) 362-2344 Barber Sales 1000 S.J. White Memorial Blvd. Talladega (256) 362-3195 Citizens BMC 604 Stone Ave. Talladega (256) 362-8111 Miller Lumber Company 308 E. Ft Williams P.O. Box 134 Sylacauga (256) 245-6081 Fax (256) 245-8641 pallets@charterinternet.com

Coosa Valley Medical Center 315 West Hickory Street Sylacauga (256) 401-4000 www.cvhealth.net Foote Brothers Furniture 118 West 3rd St. Sylacauga (256) 245-7791 1-888-229-8480 www.footebros.com South First Bank 126 N Norton Ave Sylacauga (256) 245-4365 301 W North St Talladega (256) 362-6101 Sycamore Federal Credit Union 18070 AL Hwy. 21 Talladega Sycamore (256) 245-5887 Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce 17 W Ft Williams PO Box 185 Sylacauga (256) 249-0308

71-80 Years

Sylacauga Housing Authority 415 West 8th Street Sylacauga (256) 249-0381 Leon Cleveland

American Legion Edward R. Wren Post 17 216 Welch Ave. Talladega (256) 362-9870

First United Methodist Kindergarten & Day Care 105 E Spring St. Sylacauga (256) 249-2300

71-80 Years

51-60 Years

41-50 Years

31-40 Years

31-40 Years 21-30 Years

21-30 Years 16-20 Years

11-15 Years

Doug Camp 224 N. East St. Talladega (256) 362-4930

Merle Norman Cosmetics 109 Johnson Ave. Talladega (256) 362-3232

Buddy’s Bar-B-Q 313 Battle St. E. Talladega (256) 362-8851

Robinson’s TV Service 1706 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-9651

Jack’s Family Restaurants 601 Bankhead Blvd. Talladega (256) 362-4761

Comer Museum & Arts Center 711 Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-4016

Piggly Wiggly 1244 Talladega Hwy. Sylacauga (256) 249-4836

Family Vision 113 Stephen J. White Blvd. Talladega (256) 362-6466

Camp & Associates 516 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-8741

Talladega Superspeedway 3366 Speedway Blvd. (877) Go2-DEGA

Midway Auto Parts 47815 Hwy 78 East Lincoln (205) 763-7756

Coosa Cable 1701 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 884-4545

911 N. Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 249-4006

Wal – Mart SuperCenter 41301 US Hwy. 280 Sylacauga (256) 245-0356

Fort McClellan Credit Union 1731 Noble Street Anniston (256) 237-2113

Mullinax Auto Sales 1430 S. Quintard Ave. Anniston (256) 835-0101

Pell City Animal Hospital

Poor House Branch Marina 7062 Stemley Road Logan Martin Lake Talladega (256) 268-2939

Michael’s Men’s Wear 127 W. Court Square Talladega (256) 362-2631

Collier Motors Paint & Body 3253 Old Sylacauga Highway Sylacauga (256) 249-2900 Merit Health Care P.C. PO Box 2038 291 James Payton Blvd. Sylacauga (256) 249-0028

Pate’s Body Shop 725 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 761-9100

Farmer’s Furniture 715 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-8662 Griffin’s Jewelers 704 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-5282 www.griffinsjewelers.org Sherwin Williams Company 227 N Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-5325 www.sw2646@sherwin.com Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union Sylacauga-ChildersburgChelsea-Pell City www.coosapinesfcu.org Velcon Filters LLC 2410 Hill Rd. Sylacauga (256) 245-4331 www.velcon.com J & J Drug Co. 13 8th Ave. SW Childersburg (256) 378-7761 Goodgame Company Inc. 2311 3rd Ave. S. Pell City (205) 338-2551 Darrell Walker PersonnelWorkforce Systems Pell City (800) 835-5066 www.dwpworkforce.com WFHK 1430 22 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-1430 Pell City Tire - since 1952 Next to Premium Auto Care 19865 US Hwy. 231 N. Pell City (205) 338-2814 Pell City Housing Authority 110 32nd St. N. Pell City (205) 338-7012

41-50 Years

Professional Apothecary 210 W. North St. Talladega (256) 362-8328 Stephens Carpet 119 Johnson Ave. Talladega (256) 362-2970 R.K. Allen Oil Co./ A.O.C. Food Marts 36002 AL Hwy 21 Talladega (256) 362-4261

ATAP 130 Industry Way Eastaboga (256) 362-2221 Jimmy Steen’s 231/2 Hr. Wrecker Service 1460 Old Birmingham Hwy. Sylacauga (256) 249-0026 Fax (256) 249-9237 Columbus Finance 104 E 3rd Street PO Box 335 Sylacauga (256) 249-0305 Brown Nursing Home 2334 Washington St. Alexander City (256) 329-9061 Sleeping Giant Heating & Cooling PO Box 336 11 8th Ave. SW Childersburg (256) 378-6556 www.sleepinggiantmech.com Allen Oil Company 1215 Old Birmingham Highway Sylacauga (256) 245-5478 Atkinson Real Estate 535 N Broadway Avenue Sylacauga (256) 245-6782 www.atkinsonrealestate.com Wingfield Engineering Co. Inc. PO Box 68 110 Academy Circle Goodwater (256) 839-6339 Fax (256) 839-6390 Turner Auto & Body Inc. 500 N Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-7451 Fat Man’s BBQ Hwy 231 S. Cropwell (205) 525-5255 Golden Living Centers 510 Wolf Creek Rd. N. Pell City (205) 338-3329

31-40 Years

Camp Clinic Dr. Cary Camp 300 East St. N., Suite E Talladega (256) 362-2003 Johnny’s Plumbing 117 Meleah Drive Talladega (256) 362-2735

2718 Martin St. S. Cropwell (205) 884-4104

The Smith Insurance Agency 223 W. North St. Talladega (256) 362-1200

Old Gray Barn, Julian & Debbie Gossett 2408 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-2824

Talladega OB-GYN Associates PC 724 Stone Ave Talladega (256) 362-1410

Allen Service Company 1711 1st Ave. S. Pell City (205) 338-2311

Dr. Khalid Khan 216 E. Battle St. Suite A Talladega (256) 362-1590 Talladega Optical 216 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 761-1889 Sunny King Honda Hwy 78 E., Oxford (256) 835-1000 or 1-800-423-4074 Talladega Cycle Sales 35288 AL Hwy 21 Talladega (256) 362-6370 www.talladegacyclesales.com CVS /Pharmacy 2 N Broadway Ave. Sylacauga (256) 249-4961 Fax (256) 245-7016 Ms. Lucille Anderson

21-30 Years Talladega Office Machines 30 N. Spring St. Talladega (256) 362-2883 Talladega Funeral Home Hwy. 77 Talladega (256) 362-0111 TempForce Sylacauga (256) 245-TEMP Pell City (205) 884-HELP Lineville (256) 396-1800 Anniston (256) 236-TEMP Tallatron Inc 35960 AL Hwy. 21 Talladega (256) 761-1228 License No. 187 Cash & Carry Lumber 1149 Ft. Lashley Ave. Talladega (256) 362-3762

Piggly Wiggly 320 W. Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-7949 308 N. East St. Safe Guard Fire & Alarm Inc. Talladega (256) 362-2258 39610 Hwy. 280 Huddle House Sylacauga (256) 207-2101 720 E. Battle St. Fax (256) 207- 2107 Talladega (256) 362-8725 Yamaha Seadoo of Sylacauga 40631 US Hwy. 280 Sylacauga (256) 245-7878

A & M Clothing 115 N Norton Avenue Sylacauga (256) 249-9620

MASH 308 South E. St. Talladega (256) 362-4307

Marble City Baptist Day Care Ted’s Plumbing 1512 Quarry Rd. Talladega (256) 362-0522 Sylacauga (256) 245-6338 Curtis & Son Funeral Home North Chapel 1315 Talladega Hwy. Sylacauga (256) 245-4361 Kentucky Fried Chicken 1204 Talladega Hwy. Sylacauga (256) 249-9076 32275 US Hwy. 280 Childersburg (256) 378-5121 32291 US Hwy. 280 Chelsea (256) 678-8118 218 West College St. Columbiana (205) 670-9007

Green’s Art Supplies 1411 Wilmer Ave. Anniston (256) 237-8701

Lineville Health & Rehabilitation 88073 Hwy. 9 Lineville (256) 396-2104

Ronnie & Rita Foster RE/MAX Realty Pros 418 Martin St. S. Pell City (205) 884-0400

Thackerson Realty 800 North Street East Talladega (256) 362-8411

Talladega Surgery Associates PC 803 North St. E. Talladega (256) 362-1600

Ford Meter Box 815 Miles Parkway Pell City (205) 884-4480

305 N. Martin St. Pell City (205) 338-3040 44345 AL Hwy. 21 Munford (256) 358-5942 J.R. Air Cooled Engines 244 Battle St. W. Talladega (256) 761-1714 Reliable Transmission 111 Broome Street Talladega (256) 761-1220 Taylor Rental Center 206 Tinney St. S. Talladega (256) 362-2433

Dr. Vitkin’s Weight Loss Clinic 404 Snow St. Suite A Oxford (256) 831-8247 Spring Terrace Assisted Living 1104 Hickory St. W Sylacauga (256) 245-6611 Strickland Accounting & Tax Services 34830 US Hwy 280 Childersburg (256) 378-7733 Swen Communications Inc. 214 1st Street W Sylacauga (256) 245-3236

Mary Anne’s Needlework & Frames 513 North Street E. Talladega (256) 362-6184

U – Save Auto Rentals 130-B Talladega Hwy Sylacauga (256) 245-1700

Sleeping Giant Veterinary Clinic 65501 AL Hwy. 77 Talladega (256) 362-8977

MOCO Transporation, Inc. 36525 Hwy. 280 Sylacauga (256) 245-0707 Fax (256) 249-2052 1-800-328-3209

Bluebird Realty 307 South Court St. Talladega (256) 362-7347

Allcomm Wireless Service 1310 Old Birmingham Highway Sylacauga (256) 249-2407

Bill Stanford Automotive 35500 Hwy. 21 Talladega (256) 362-7540

Ms. Ann’s Bargain Barn Formerly Coaling Flea Market 331 Avondale Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-6400 Talladega County Economic Development Authority 225 N Norton Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-8332 Calvin Miller

Capital Hearing Services Waites Tire & Service Center 915-B Norton Ave N. 310 Battle St. E. Sylacauga (256) 245-3011 Talladega (256) 362-6632 Community Funeral Home Lincoln Pharmacy 15 N Hightower Ave. 99 Magnolia St. Sylacauga (256) 245-5201 Lincoln (205) 763-7759 B J Produce 2212 Martin St. S Columbus Finance Pell City (205) 338-1776 122 East Battle St. Talladega (256) 362-3600 Buddy Bowman Construction 1621 Pleasant Valley Dr. Campbell & Campbell Pell City (205) 338-1424 400 S. Court Square Talladega (256) 761-1858 www.campbellandcampbellpc.com Surfside 6 Hwy 34 Stemley Bridge Rd. Pell City (205) 814-0645 Sims Funeral Service 431 W. Battle St. Logan Martin Vet Clinic Talladega (256) 362-9095 1220 Martin St. South Pell City (205) 884-3412 Steve Camp Insurance 210 North St. W. KFC Talladega (256) 362-0589 703 23rd St. North

Clark’s Insurance 106 South Court Square Talladega (256) 362-3548

Armstrong Lawn Service Talladega (256) 362-3303

Yoder Cabinets 508 W 4th Street Sylacauga (256) 249-2236

Pell City (205) 338-3221 Royal Foods, Inc 1904 16th Ave. S Pell City (205) 884-1040 Shield’s Corner Store 4209 Stemley Bridge Rd. Pell City (205) 338-2512 Kell Realty PO Box 728 Ashville (205) 594-5391 Woods Surfside Marina 37 Marina Dr. Cropwell (205) 525-5533

16-20 Years

Top Dollar Title Pawn 821 East Battle St. Talladega (256) 761-9111 Southeastern Cellular 208 E. Battle Street Talladega (256) 362-5500 Hair Impressions 212 East Street North Talladega (256) 362-7777 280 Dental Care 33044 Hwy 280 Childersburg (256) 378-3322

Mid South home health a Gentiva company Sherry Ingram, RN-Branch Director 1025 West Fort Williams Childersburg Pet Clinic P.C. Sylacauga (256) 249-4363 1440 Coosa Pines Dr. Fax (256) 249-3619 Childersburg (256) 378-7066

Southern Star MFG LLC 2700 Old Birmingham Hwy. Sylacauga (256) 245-8177 Easy Bail Bonds 1818 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-4821 Interstate Freight 29 Charlie Brown Lane Pell City (205) 338-9595 Watson Computers / Radio Shack 89 Vaughan Lane Pell City (205) 338-2329 Discount Auto 502 N. Martin St. Pell City (205) 338-3433 Metro Bank 800 Martin St. S. Pell City (205) 884-2265 Gilreath Printing & Signs, LLC 1923 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 884-7800 Sharp Carpet - since 1993 1507 Martin St. S. Pell City (205) 338-6601 www.sharpcarpet.com Community Credit 1912 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-4433 Landis Antique Mall 2401 12th Ave. N., Hwy. 231 Pell City (205) 338-6255

11-15 Years

Ace Hardware 1104 Ashland Hwy. Talladega (256) 362-2208

Terry Hogge Electric, Inc. (205) 763-9844 Commercial-Industrial Only Fitness Plus 604 Stone Ave. Talladega (256) 761-4693 Diamond Lil’s Restaurant & Lounge 100 Haynes St. Talladega (256) 315-0620 Alabama Eye Clinic 109 E. Coosa St., Suite A Talladega (256) 362-4872 21st Century Signs 1219 Main Ave.N. Sylacauga (256) 245-9201 21stcenturysigns@bellsouth.net SAFE Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement 78 Betsy Ross Lane/ PO Box 1122 www.safefamilyservicescenter.com Sylacauga (256) 245-4343 Fax (256) 245-3675 State Farm *Albia Steers Ins Agcy Inc. 1010 N Broadway Sylacauga (256) 245-6061 Chelsea Antique Mall PO Box 359 14587 Hwy 280 E Chelsea (205) 678-2151 I-20 Carpet Warehouse 190 Old Coal City Rd. Pell City (205) 814-9883 Cabin on Cedar Lane 5014 Cedar Lane Pell City (205) 338-3866 Elijah’s Barrel 2006 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 338-0088

Friends of the Sea Cruises 16 Cottage Lane Lakeside Cottages Lincoln (205) 763-0394

10 20th St. S. Pell City (205) 884-0069

Learn in Play Daycare 80 Seasons Way Talladega (256) 362-1465

13 20th St. S. Pell City

1814 1 Ave. S. Pell City (205) 338-7600 ST

TM Cars 35579 AL Hwy. 21 Talladega (256) 362-4311

The Money Outlet 1607 Martin St. S Suite 3. Pell City (205) 884-0777

Pineview Landing Apartments 160 Broadway Ave. Talladega (256) 362-3412

Pell City Ebay Drop Off Center & Pawn Shop 1607 Martin St. S. Suite 3 Pell City (205) 884-0777

Ted’s Market 217 E. Coosa St. Talladega (256) 362-5868

HDA Title Loans 1605 Martin St. S. Suite 4 Pell City (205) 338-6741

11-15 Years

6-10 Years

Rhodes Agency Allstate – Sarah Rhodes 2107 Martin St. S. Suite 102 Pell City (205) 338-0502

All State Metal Roofing PO Box 1392 1800 Eastside Dr. Gadsden (256) 547-0423 Fax (256) 547-7030

Bain & Company CPA’s, P.C 1609 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 884-2332

J Ann Haulers, Inc. 25 Industrial Park Childersburg (256) 378-6800

Hilltop Electric 1717 1st Ave. S. Pell City (205) 884-7670

Main Avenue Apartments Retirement Community 105 Walnut St. E Sylacauga (256) 245-4006

Brookhill Village 900 Brookhill Village Circle Pell City (205) 814-0800 Premium Auto Care 19865 US Hwy. 231 N. Pell City (205) 338-9355 Sarah M.Brazzolotto, LLC Attorney at Law Member of Alabama Bar Assoc. since 1984 1908 Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 884-7726

6-10 Years

PityPat’s Gift Baskets Talladega/Lincoln (205) 763-1636 New South Express LLC 249-B Clover Road Lincoln (205) 355-8200 Comfort Care Hospice 702 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 761-1250 Two Friends Florist 34 James Ave. Old Downtown Lincoln Lincoln (205) 763-3015 www.twofriendsflorist.com Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC 1800 Honda Drive Lincoln, AL 35096 www.hondaalabama.com Kentucky Fried Chicken 219 Haynes St. Talladega (256) 362-5681 75835 Hwy 77 Lincoln (205) 763-2454 Stampede 710 E. Battle St. Talladega (256) 315-0600 Remax Hometown Realty 300 East St. N., Suite C Talladega (256) 480-0150 Gaither’s Florist, LLC. 702 Battle Street East, Suite B Talladega (256) 480-0090 BD Precision Manufacturing Inc. 787 HJ Bentley Parkway, Suite A Oxford (256) 831-1965 Montana Saloon & Grill 75023 Hwy. 77 Lincoln (205) 763-1225 Luxury Auto Parts 12459 Jackson Trace Lincoln (205) 763-1084

Autumn Trace Apartments 1400 Autumn Lane Sylacauga (256) 249-2126 Marble City Pharmacy 264 Ft. Williams St. W Sylacauga (256) 245-4446

1-5 Years Farmer's Insurance Brian York, Agent 411 East St. N. Talladega (256) 315-9545 Alfa Insurance Jennifer Hayes 430 Battle St. W. Talladega (256) 362-2002 Custom Pizza 65290 Hwy 77 Northgate Shopping Center Talladega (256) 362-3339 Anderson Plumbing 112 Cook Drive Sylacauga (256) 404-8335 Fax (256) 249-4139

A & E Metal Roofing Affordable Heating & Air, LLC Supply LLC American Standard 15 Mc Clellan Pkwy 369 James Payton Blvd Kelleyton (256) 329-0034 Sylacauga (256) 245-2807 www.aemetalroofing.com True Light Community Church Day Care 900 N. Main Ave. Sylacauga (256) 249-3444 Director: Nicole Hamilton Celebrations 3005 Martin St. S. Cropwell (205) 884-8632 Interstate Specialized 29 Charlie Brown Lane Pell City (205) 338-9595 Advanced Clinical Research 1000 Forrest Place -Suite 2 Pell City (205) 884-1002 www.rxstudy.com Hair Designs by Holly 20 Mineral Springs Rd. Suite 1 Across from WFHK Pell City (205) 338-1848

NAPA Pruitt Auto Parts Owner Jeff Pruitt 110 North Anniston Ave. Sylacauga (256) 245-5296 jefferypruitt@aol.com Wright Tire & Service 205 Ft. Williams SW Sylacauga (256) 245-7772 Mattress & More 1911 Martin St. S. Suite 8 Pell City (205) 338-2335 Classic Carwash 602 Martin St. S. Pell City (205) 338-1322 One Stop Party Shop 1605 Martin St. S. Suite 1 Pell City (205) 338-2635

Golden Rule BBQ 1700 Martin St. North Pell City (205) 338-1443 Strandz 1915 A Cogswell Ave. Pell City (205) 814-0116 Beverly Barber, Attorney at Law 105 Florida Rd. Pell City (205) 338-6989

Less Than 1 Year

Less Than A Year

The Tavern of St. Clair 4852 Cogswell Ave., Hwy 78 Pell City (205) 338-8900

A Special Thanks To All Our Area Businesses Who Helped Support Update 2010 258093

Finding a new angle

8A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

talladega commerce

Car dealers adapt to changing market By JIM SMOTHERS Special Projects editor

Bankruptcies at Chrysler and General Motors last year underlined the severity of the current economic recession, and the consequences aren’t limited to Wall Street investors or far-away corporate boardrooms. Friends and neighbors at local dealerships are working at finding a way to navigate their businesses through this harsh business climate to better days ahead. Two years ago, Phillip Alderman thought he would reach retirement as a Chevrolet dealer. Bill Stanford was happy with his dealership featuring Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Chrysler and Plymouth vehicles. Jim Preuitt ran his Ford/Mercury dealership with a background of half a century in the automotive business. Changes have been less drastic for Preuitt. Ford did not seek bankruptcy protection, and Preuitt credits Ford with building better cars. But Alderman’s Chevrolet dealership was yanked out from under him. GM is phasing out the Pontiac brand with the 2010 models, and Stanford’s current agreement on his other GM lines ends in September. Stanford and Alderman are in arbitration with General Motors seeking to restore/ continue their status as GM dealers. Preuitt has seen a lot of changes in the automotive industry since he got his start in it in 1957. He was working for Monsanto and used his long weekends off to tow used cars back to Alabama from Chicago. He did some wholesaling, sold to individuals and took cars to auction. He went full-time selling cars in 1959 and the next year bought a service station with a small car lot and a mechanic’s shop. Next he was the service manager at a Ford dealership in Hartselle and sold cars for six years. In 1968 he bought the ChryslerPlymouth-Dodge dealership in Talladega, where he later added Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC and Oldsmobile to his lineup. In 1992, son-in-law Bill Stanford came to Talladega to run the dealership for him while Preuitt served as probate judge. In 1991 Preuitt took on the Ford/

Mercury line of vehicles and Stanford took the other lines. “For the last several years, Ford has really gotten their act together,” Preuitt said. “Their quality products, quality control and money management helped them to go through tough times without going to the government for money.” Preuitt said his dealership has about the same number of employees as he had before the economic downturn began, and they haven’t had to change much about the way they do business. “We just have to be frugal, watch our expenditures,” he said. He said he hasn’t carried as much new car inventory as he did before the downturn, but he’s seen tough times before. The energy crisis in the ‘70s and the recession of the ‘80s with its high interest rates slowed car sales. “We’ve seen it tough in the car business before,” he said, adding that this time “it’s been a longer, stretched-out downturn.” He said sales at his dealership had been steady and he hoping to see a steady incline. He is also offering a 10 percent discount on parts and labor to senior citizens in the service department. “We as business people have to work harder and be more appreciative of the customers — to be more aware of their needs and providing service. It’s just good business principles.” Bill Stanford said he has been in the automotive business for 37 years after getting into the business with his uncles at the Ford store in Hartselle. He also recalled the oil embargo of the ‘70s and the high interest rates in the ‘80s, but said this downturn has been the toughest. “This has affected a lot more than just the car business,” he said. “It has hit restaurants, clothing stores — this has been across the board.” Stanford said that tight credit was beginning to loosen up a bit and sales were starting to pick up. This January was up 58 percent over last January, and he’s hopeful that will be a trend. “The financial institutions are easing up some,

Jim Smothers/The Daily Home

Colonial Motors owner Phillip Alderman and Alana Johnston are seen in front of the Colonial Motors showroom, with signs in place for the cellular telephone/insurance business also located there. Johnston works for the phone/insurance business.

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

Bill Stanford’s Talladega dealership has picked up service business after the closure of other GM and Chrysler dealerships in the area.

buying deals (approving loans) on cars this year they wouldn’t last year,” he said. He said his dealership has also seen an increase in business in his service department — at least partially due to other dealerships closing, like the Chrysler stores in Sylacauga and Pell City and the Chevrolet dealerships in Sylacauga, Pell City and Talladega. “We’re here to service, regardless of where they bought it,” he said. He’s even added a mechanic to help with the workload. Stanford’s dealership

lost one of its car lines when GM phased out the Oldsmobile marque in 2004. Last year GM announced the Pontiac line would also stop production, and when GM started cutting back on dealerships, Stanford was on the list. “We feel like we have a good leg to stand on,” in arbitration, he said. “We’re OK with GM until the end of September for sure, and we’re on solid ground with Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram trucks. They’re our largest seller anyway. We just watch every little penny the best we can, watch

Jim Smothers/The Daily Home

Jim Preuitt is shown at his dealership with a Ford Fusion, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. Preuitt said Ford has “gotten their act together” in providing quality and value to the consumer.

expenses. We don’t stock as many new cars as we have in the past. We have a big emphasis on service and parts, and it’s really helped us. We’re fortunate that we’ve not laid off but two people, and hopefully we can add one of those back shortly.” Alderman’s dealership, Colonial Chevrolet-Buick, has been out of the new car business since last September; he is in arbitration with GM to try to restore the dealership, but in the meantime he has taken some unusual steps to stay in business. Instead of new Chevys, the showroom recently housed a woods-ready golf cart on consignment, a HarleyDavidson motorcycle taken in on trade, and a cell phone/insurance business owned by Talladega Mayor Brian York. York needed a cheaper place to do business, and Alderman welcomed an additional revenue stream. He is also renting UHaul trucks and trailers (and was the company’s No. 1 location two months running), has Bobcat tractors for sale on consignment, has a busy service department and is building up his used-car business. “We’ll do whatever it takes to survive. We can sell you a car, service it, insure it, get you a cell phone and rent you a UHaul to move,” Alderman said. “I might even rent space to a buddy to sell produce in the spring.” “Fortunately the building is paid for, so our expenses are low, and we can pass that on to our customers,” he said. “If I sell 15 cars a month, I’ll make a living,” he said. “Before, I had to sell 50.” Right now he’s trying to get back up in the 30-40

cars per month range, and it looks like things are getting better. January was his best month since August 2008, and he thinks it’s because lenders are loosening up a bit. He is also working with lenders who can work with credit-challenged customers. “Basically, if they’ve got a down payment and a job, we can get them in a car,” he said. Alderman was one of the first five dealers in the country to get a floor plan (a car dealership’s line of credit) through a new Small Business Administration program, which The First National Bank in Talladega helped him secure. Since that came through, he’s been busy buying and selling and working to regrow his business. It hasn’t been easy. Seventeen people worked at Colonial before the downturn began. There are seven now. Alderman took over the business after the death of his father, Joel Alderman, who purchased the dealership in 1981. He said the dealership was originally called Cheaha Motors and was located across from Regions Bank on North Street as far back as the 1930s, maybe before that. It was renamed Colonial Chevrolet, and it was also a Buick dealership. It is now called Colonial Motors — the Chevrolet-Buick sign came down in September. Adding insult to injury, it was taken away in a Ford pickup. “I tried to buy the sign from them,” Alderman said. “I was going to take the letters off, and use the same background, but GM said no. They were in bankruptcy, and I was offering them money for the sign, but instead of selling it to me they paid someone else to take it down, haul it off and destroy it.”

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sundday, February 14, 2010 — 9A

TALLADEGA COMMERCE

Serving Our Community... At The First National Bank of Talladega, we are proud to say we are a home owned, home operated Community Bank and even more proud to prove it; year after year. We take this opportunity to thank our employees and customers who have helped support the many programs that make a difference in our community.

24,574

Donated to Local School and Area Organizations “Donation to Breast Cancer Foundation during Tickled Pink Month”

Raised by FNB Employees and Donated by Customers for Charity

“AIDB Students enjoy refreshments during Angel Tree Visit”

9,830 9,720

Raised by Local School and Donated by FNB Employees in the Cash for the Classroom Program

725

Years Of Combined Banking Experience “Lincoln Elementary Kicks off Cash for the Classroom Program”

161

Years In Your Community

100

Percent Employee Participation in United Way and Cash for the Classroom Payroll Deduction “FNB Employees Present Check to Relay For Life”

Memberships in Charitable and Civic Organizations

50 “Winterboro High School Students receive Cash for the Classroom Check”

Employees to Serve Your Banking Needs

Convenient Locations

Community Bank “R.L. Young Students and Faculty celebrate their Cash for the Classroom Fundraising Efforts”

FIRST • FAST • FRIENDLY www.fnbtalladega.com

120 E. North Street (256) 362-2334

Lincoln Office

44743 U.S. Hwy. 78 (205) 763-7763

Munford Office

44388 Highway 21 (256) 358-9000

258987

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF TALLADEGA

Talladega Office

talladega commerce

10A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

Downtown ‘character of community’ By CHRIS NORWOOD

Home staff writer

Even in larger cities, there is something special, something definitive about an old downtown district. In cities like Lincoln and Talladega, these areas are even more special. Talladega City Councilman Jimmy Davis characterized the historic district around the Courthouse Square as “the character of the community. It’s not just the historic beauty of the buildings, but you also have viable commercial enterprises there, including the Ritz Theatre. They’re starting on the renovation of the two buildings next to the Ritz now, and already have a tenant lined up for one of them.” Revitalization comes with certain challenges, however. “Hopefully we can come up with a plan for the sorts of businesses that are best suited for the area,” Davis said. “The ones that have gone are not coming back, but even as things change we can hope for new, viable businesses. And we’re also dealing with a lot of challenges right now with absentee property owners.” When the current council was elected and city manager Michael Stampfler was hired, downtown revitalization was named as a top priority, and Davis was charged with appointing a task force to define the issues and come up with solutions. That initial committee was chaired by Pat

Greene, who said that Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Mack Ferguson had largely taken over the project. Davis pointed out that one of the issues identified by the committee was a lack of parking, which the city had remedied by purchasing property and building a public lot between the square and North Street, and by strict enforcement of the 2 hour parking limit on the square. Stampfler agreed that tackling the parking issue was an advance. “A year and a half ago, that was a major concern,” he said. “That has been addressed for the foreseeable future. Tim Burke, the tenant moving into one of the buildings next to the Ritz, and the announcement from Citi Trends that they will be moving into the old Food World building are also reasons to be optimistic,” he added.

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

Downtown revitalization is a top priority for Talladega officials. Lack of parking was resolved when the city bought property and built a public lot between the square and North Street.

Stampfler also sited the rural development block grant that paved the way for the renovation of the buildings on the square as well as the purchase of former Wehadkee property. “Wehadkee is the stepping off point for subsequent grants, which will put us in line for further success. It’s a direct benefit,” although what specific purpose the property will serve is still a long way from decided. The city has been awarded $400,000 for brownfield assessment, which will likely lead to further funding opportunities related to cleanup.

Ferguson said he was still in the process of meeting with the various subcommittees established by the Downtown Revitalization Task Force. These include bodies dedicated to studying parking, marketing, establishing a Creek Indian museum, finance, property owners (working closely with the Talladega Merchants Association), among others. The chambers in Talladega, Sylacauga and Childersburg have entered into a partnership with the Talladega County Realtors Association for a monthly update on available properties, and coordinating those efforts with property owners to

promote the area, although with a bad economy at the state and national level, it’s not clear when that will be happening, either. The strategy is not to compete with existing business and industry in the community, even if you can’t always do that. But at the same time, you need to boost the ability of the businesses downtown, which we’re trying to do with the rural economic development grant, and with the Wehadkee property. We can use the brownfield money to build that back and update it. And if we succeed long-term, then all downtown businesses will end up more stable and ready to withstand funding to develop the bypass as well. That would be the ideal.” Stampfler did not take any particular view of what sort of businesses

the bypass should try to attract. “We need to figure out what type of target is best suited as opposed to just accepting whatever comes along. Although we’ll probably do some of that, too.” Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Mack Ferguson was even more enthusiastic about the possibilities of renewal downtown and new development on the bypass. “I have some experience from when they were building the beltway in Atlanta. People said it would kill downtown, and that was a viable concern, but that’s not what happened.” Many businesses did initially move to the perimeter, but as property values dropped, more and more people were in a position to move downtown. High

rises and office facilities followed. “We’re not Atlanta,” Ferguson said. “Obviously we don’t have 3 million people. But Atlanta didn’t have 3 million people at the time either, it was closer to 1 million.”

He cooks most dishes from scratch and will even do special orders not on the menu, as much for the challenge of it as for the customers’ satisfaction. Even the catfish batter is homemade.

on Alabama 21. Glass serves diners from Talladega, County, Calhoun County, Pell City and even from out

of state. A large part of the Glass House’s business comes

advertise that advantages of each property. “We have them take pictures and provide us with rental conditions, prior owners and renters, things like that,” Ferguson explained. “We’ve also been working with (Talladega Community Development Director) Chris Stone to tell potential occupants what they will need to

do from the city’s standpoint.” Meantime, Ferguson said he is in the process of combining the public relations and marketing committees, and is seeking stimulus money to purchase a building and artifacts for the Creek museum. He also hopes to launch a collaboration with Talladega College based on marketing of

the Amistad murals and participation in April in Talladega. Partnerships with Central Alabama Community College, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Antique Talladega, the Talladega Superspeedway and DeSoto Caverns are in the works as well, and the three county chambers are working on setting up a tourist Web site.

going to want to do business with you.” As for the businesses downtown, Ferguson said, “I would happily buy a business downtown right now. In the past, the city has been hampered by access issues. You’ve got access to Lincoln on Alabama 77, but 90 percent of the people there probably get on the inter-

state and go to Pell City or Oxford to shop. Sylacauga and Munford will definitely have better access now. From our standpoint, the bypass provides easy ingress or egress for people that need to buy food and clothing and cars. That’s not a threat to existing business, it’s an opportunity for the whole city to grow.”

Stampfler: Bypass adds opportunities for development Home staff writer

When the first part of the 275 Bypass around Talladega was built in the late 1980s, the city zoned the area for residential and agricultural development, out of fear that businesses locating there would kill the city’s historic downtown district. Multiple partnerships are currently involved in revitalization efforts that have already shown success. But now that actual completion of the bypass is a distinct possibility, the concern may be raised again. According to city manager Michael Stampfler, “The bypass adds opportunities for development, although when that will actually happen is still unknown. Our job is to

The bypass would, first of all, allow greater access to Talladega from the surrounding area. Then the effect would ripple. “Already, you’ve got property owners on the bypass with large tracts of land ideal for shopping centers, multiplexes, restaurants. All of those businesses are going to need employees, who will probably live in the area. And those people will need to buy groceries and clothes and shoes, and will want to do that close to home. But if you don’t have anything to offer, no one is

Glass turns passion into a living By JONATHAN GRASS Home staff writer

When someone holds a lifelong passion for something, the greatest reward can be turning it into a living. This is the lesson Earl Glass brings to the Munford business community. He has a day job to help support his fulltime work of restaurateur, chef and caterer of the Glass House Restaurant on Alabama 21. This is a full service restaurant offering homestyle meals of meats and country vegetables and desserts. “I love doing this more than anything I’ve ever done,” Glass said. This sentiment comes from his lifelong love of cooking. As such, he makes sure he stays in the kitchen as much as behind the books. Glass recalls that he started cooking full meals when he was 12.

“Sometimes I just get back there and experiment,” he said. The Glass House is in its sixth year of serving as one of the few sit-down establishments for the area. Every Thursday through Saturday it opens its doors to a packed dinner crowd then does the same on Sunday afternoons. “I don’t think many people think of a restaurant being just out here like this, so they want to see how it is,” Glass said. The restaurant’s location has given it a prime advantage in attracting customers from the town and surrounding areas, particularly those going to work or passing through

See Glass, Page11A

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THE DAILYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11A

Diverse business community in Munford

Glass From Page 10A

By JONATHAN GRASS Home staff writer

Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

Earl and Kay Glass are the owners of the Glass House Restaurant on Alabama 21 in Munford.

his business is holding up, the numbers have been down over the last year due to the economy. He said unemployment affects a lot of people who live in Munford. He does believe the roadway connecting Preibes Mill Road and Alabama 21 will increase business, especially from out-of-towners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d build it tomorrow,â&#x20AC;? he said. Glass has reacted to the recession proactively. He recently enacted â&#x20AC;&#x153;two meals for $10â&#x20AC;? Thursday nights and said the reaction has been overwhelming, making Thursday one of his busiest nights. He said the restaurant now serves around 100 customers on Thursdays where it used to serve around 40. About two months ago

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he also began all-you-caneat catfish and shrimp nights. Glass said his advertising is primarily through word-of-mouth, but has utilized newspapers and radio venues in the past. The restaurant is also undergoing renovations. Glass is preparing to install booths where its standard tables have been in the next few months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give them more room to walk by and more seating,â&#x20AC;? he said. Glass said the restaurant seats about 40 now and the booths should increase that capacity to around 60. True to form, as Glass makes the food himself, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building these booths himself. Just as the Glass House is a family restaurant, the family is behind the scenes

as well. His wife, Kay, also runs the restaurant and does her share of the cooking. She even makes wedding cakes from scratch. Their 22-year-old daughter, Jessica, lends a hand when taking a break from her graphic design studies at Jacksonville State University. Glassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; family is steeped in Munford history, and so restaurant diners are treated to a blast from the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past. Pictures of the Munford of yesteryear adorn the walls, providing a quaint atmosphere. Many of these pictures feature town sites that no longer exist, like cotton mills, hotels, a bridge by Preibes Mill and even a long gone movie theater. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Munford was a pretty big area one time,â&#x20AC;? Glass said.

For a town of around 2,000, Munford has developed a diverse business community uncommon for most towns of its size. Munford boasts a collection of several different types of establishments. The small town holds a wide variety in its limits, such as restaurants, a pharmacy, general merchandise, a bank, a post office and more. With the exception of some chain establishments such as Dollar General and Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast food restaurant, the majority of businesses are independently owned. For example, Jennifer Carter opened Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Pharmacy on Alabama 21 in 2002. She said a local pharmacy in rural towns like this make it easier on residents who require medicine, particularly the elderly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier for parents to run down the street than drive to Talladega,â&#x20AC;? she said. The pharmacy now has 11 employees and is trying to expand its customer base. Carter said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gradually â&#x20AC;&#x153;bleeding in people not from Munford.â&#x20AC;? She said she now has gotten customers from as far as Coldwater. Similarly, Jimmy Mann

opened Munford Pawn & Loan less than two years ago. He had been involved in a thrift store venture when the building in Munford became available, which he saw as perfect for a pawn business and felt the town needed one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not copying anybody. It was something we wanted to do that no one else was doing,â&#x20AC;? Mann said. Besides merchandise, the pawn shop houses the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only barber facility. Mann said the location makes it convenient for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoppers. However, Mann said the struggling economy has kept business down lately. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good time for business ventures lately, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll try to tough it out,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hopeful Munford business in general will improve next year.â&#x20AC;? This is a common thing. Like those in many small communities, many of Munfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses have seen declines over the last year. Gary Carter is a thirdgeneration owner of Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hardware, which has been in his family for around 90 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been good over the last year, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re See Munford, Page 12

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outside its open hours. It runs a profitable catering business, which was, in fact, the catalyst for the whole business. Before deciding on a full service restaurant, Glass originally envisioned using his culinary skills for a strictly catering business. His earliest jobs included cooking lunch for businesses in Talladega County and Anniston. He even made Thanksgiving meals for Munford Elementary School. Today, he still caters daily to a range of regular customers. He brings lunch to his job at Alabama Specialty Products every day. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, he said the employees there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t charged for their meals. He also cooks regularly for a homeless and rehabilitation shelter in Anniston. Some of his other regular catering clients include Honda, Alabama Power and several churches. The Glass Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hours and specials were determined by demand. Glass said the after work crowds provide ample support for a dinner rush. Church crowds are also a staple in the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunday lunches. Except for Sundays and catering jobs, the restaurant is primarily a dinner establishment. Glass attempted to open for lunchtime about two years ago, but found the local customer base did not support such hours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough people working in Munford for lunch,â&#x20AC;? he said. Glass said that while

12A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

talladega commerce

Relaxing the rules at Talladega Superspeedway By HEATHER BAGGETT

Home sports editor

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

Jennifer Carter opened Carter’s Family Pharmacy on Alabama 21 in 2002.

Munford From Page 11A

still here,” he said. Despite falling sales, Carter has a lot of hope for the town. “Maybe I’m prejudiced, but Munford’s a good place,” he said. He said the town seems to be growing, primarily because of the schools. He said each year people ask about places to live in Munford to be closer to the schools. Like other local business owners, his philosophy is that it’s easier to have the place close by so that townsfolk don’t have to travel for their needs. He said being “small town USA” he knows most of his customers. Munford Grocery Outlet, the town’s sole grocery store, has also been facing problems. Manager Mike Patel said not only have customer numbers declined, but the ones who do enter the store buy small convenience items rather than do grocery shopping. Patel estimates that 40 to 50 percent of custom-

ers use it as a convenience store. Many still buy food in Oxford or Talladega. He said buying one or two small-priced items like a soda or snack isn’t enough to keep a grocery store going. “People want a grocery store in town, but they’ve got to support it,” he said. On the other hand, he said the grocery outlet has maintained a loyal customer base in those that do buy groceries, particularly for the meat selection. Not all businesses have seen customer decreases. First National Bank of Talladega has a Munford branch that branch manager Jay Kirk Stephens said has grown steadily, tripling over the past 10 years. Stephens said people prefer dealing with community banks for the familiarity where they’re “not just a number.” He said customers come in from as far as Piedmont and Jacksonville. He said he feels the economy can help the banking industry in some ways.

“People are being more conservative with their money,” he said. His assessment concurred with Carter’s in that people want to move here because of the schools. FNB also has branches in Talladega and Lincoln. One thing that many business owners are anticipating is the proposed construction of a road connecting Priebes Mill Road and Alabama 21. Most see it as something that will boost business with the increased traffic and easier highway access. Gary Carter said building the road will definitely benefit the town economy, as Priebes Mill is “so well traveled.” He called the future road “the best mile of road in Talladega County.” Stephens said he feels the road will open more land for development and bring in more businesses. Jennifer Carter added that the road would also make it easier for delivery drivers to get the medications to the pharmacy. “We’re kind of hard to find,” she said.

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

First National Bank of Talladega has a Munford branch that has grown steadily, tripling over the past 10 years.

Longtime barber the ‘best around’ BY LAVONTE YOUNG

Home sports writer

Brown’s Barber and Style Shop has served the Talladega community for close to four decades. For the Brown family, cutting hair is something they were born to do. “I have been cutting hair here for 38 years,” said Willie Joe Brown, shop owner. ”I have been cutting hair for 47 years. “My daddy was a barber. My entire family cuts hair. My brothers, one stays in Toledo, Ohio, he cuts and does hair. My older brother cut hair until he got sick.” For Willie Joe Brown, cutting hair was the way he and his brother provided for their family. “What started it off is I didn’t finish school,” Brown said. “I quit in the eighth grade. Back in those days if you had a large family you had to feed them, help pay the bills and that’s how I really started off.” Now that Brown has his own family, he passed down the skill of cutting and styling hair to his children. All six of Brown’s children work with him at the barber shop. “I enjoyed cutting hair,” Brown said. “I have my four daughters in there; my two sons cut hair in here.”

Brown’s Barber and Style Shop is the second oldest barber shop in Talladega, behind Patterson’s Barber shop on Battle Street. With the financial hardship that is being felt by Americans, Brown said he has seen a drop in his customers. “I have seen a dip in my clientele,” he said. “The regulars, the ones that come every week, it’s no difference. I know that they are going to make it every week and I know what time of month the business is going to drop. Every month around the 18th you can tell a difference, but once the first and third come around things change.” Cutting hair over 47 years, Brown has seen numerous hair styles, but one of the styles he dislikes most is the Mohawks. “There’s a whole lot of difference in hair styles with Mohawks,” Brown said. ”I don’t like to do the drawing, because I come from the old school. I don’t like doing Mohawks, but I did one the other day and the lady was like, ‘Man this looks good. He will be back.’ Man haircuts have changed.” The Browns are not just responsible for making their clients look better, they are there to do whatever they can to help people who need help. “If anybody used to

Things are expected to get a lot more racy at Talladega Superspeedway in 2010. And it takes a lot to say that about events at the 2.66-mile track famous for tight racing and spectacular finishes. Despite the close finishes, fans and competitors alike have complained about the lack of racing in the start and middle of the races after NASCAR instituted rules against bump drafting in the turns and the use of restrictor plates, which serve to keep the cars bunched together in large packs, oftentimes resulting in large wrecks. The new year brought a big announcement from NASCAR officials, namely, the relaxation of some of the rules regarding racing at Talladega and Daytona. NASCAR will now allow bump drafting all the way around the track, letting drivers police themselves. The governing body is also looking at moving away from restrictor plates at the biggest tracks on the circuit. NASCAR is in the process of replacing the

rear wing with a spoiler, which will add more downforce to the car and hopefully keep those cars on the ground instead of flying into fences. T a l l a d e g a Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey is happy that NASCAR officials listened to the fans and the drivers and made a move to improve the racing. “That’s certainly something that we were excited to hear,” Humphrey said. Humphrey said he and his staff had also heard comments from fans that attended the races at Talladega Superspeedway and passed them along to NASCAR officials. “We shared those comments with NASCAR and they took it to heart,” he said. “We were very aware that they were looking at doing some things. We were very excited and very pleased.” Fans attending the races at Talladega this spring and fall might find their seats a little more comfortable in addition to seeing an exciting race. After the Amp Energy 500 on Nov. 1 speedway officials began tearing out the seats in the grandstands and replacing them with wider seats.

Humphrey said the grandstand renovation project is going well and the first half of the grandstands will be completed by the spring race. “Everything is on schedule – maybe even a little ahead of schedule,” Humphrey said. “We’re going in and taking out the seats on the frontstretch. We’ve torn them out and replaced them with wider seats and wider aisles. The first half will be complete in time for the spring race and the second half will be ready in time for the fall race.” In addition to finding a more comfortable seat this spring, fans attending the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway can also find better deals on ticket packages. “We’ve also done some pricing changes in some certain areas,” Humphrey said. “The two-day ticket in the Allison Grandstand has gone from $60 to $49. Some single day tower seats are $95 down from $120. “We think with those changes and the addition of the new grandstand seating that 2010 has got potential to be a great year.”

The seats on the frontstretch at Talladega Superspeedway have been torn out and replaced with wider seats and wider aisles. The first half will be complete in time for the spring race and the second half for the fall race.

Put Your Trust In Our Hands

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

Willie Joe Brown, owner of Brown’s Barber and Style Shop, has been cutting hair in Talladega for 38 years.

come in town that went to Talladega College from anywhere up north they always comes to Brown’s Barber Shop,” he said. ”When you need a lift up, when they are down and they been to jail, they come right here. It’s the Lord, that’s all I can say. “We feed people. If someone is hungry we will take them to the house and feed them. If they need some money … we give them money. Anybody that passed away we give them money; we try to help everybody.” Brown is the selfproclaimed best barber

around. He said he believes the skills he learned from watching other barbers cut hair when he was younger have helped him. “I’m the best,” Brown said. “I have been cutting hair here for 32 years. The 58-year-old barber doesn’t believe a lot of the young barbers are real barbers. “I have a lot of white customers, also,” Brown said. “They know I can use those scissors. I can feather cut, razor cut, that’s why I say the guys around here they are not a real barber. See Baber, Page 13A

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THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010 —13A

Doctor likes Lincoln’s small town atmosphere By JONATHAN GRASS Home staff writer

Small cities can prove to be big draws to the right professionals. Dr. Stacy Towles-Moore took her career in internal medicine to the Baptist Health Center in Lincoln in August. As one of the city’s few medical professionals, she says Lincoln opens itself up to educated specialists who prefer working in a more rural environment. “It doesn’t matter what you do. It’s what’s around you. So I think Lincoln is great for any profession if you like the pace like I do,” she said. Towles-Moore said she believes medical centers are necessary in such rural areas. She said residents need some place close by for common medical ailments. Some of these ailments treated at BHC include primary care, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,

diabetes and infections. “For everyday things, we’re right here. We can handle that,” she said. Towles-Moore said she believes more rural areas should have medical treatment centers because traveling to larger cities is hard for people, particularly the elderly. For this reason, business at BHC has thrived. She said the center draws a lot of people from the area due to its convenient location. Although the local population is small, she’s treated quite a large number of patients since she began working here. Towles-Moore has had her share of experiences in working both in big cities and rural areas. She moved here from Amory, Miss., a city not much larger than Lincoln. Before that she worked for 15 years in Atlanta. She said as much as she enjoyed Atlanta, she prefers smaller cities, primar-

ily due to the pace and sense of familiarity. “Everything here’s not 90 miles per hour like Atlanta,” she said. She said she feels such familiarity lets her be closer to her patients. As a doctor, she is encouraged by the family aspect of the patients that come into BHC. She said getting to treat whole families has been an inspiration and has made her feel more integrated into the community.

“It gives me a chance to really get to know the families,” She also said she sees a lot less separation in the community here than in larger areas. For example, she admired how the community banded together after the death of Lincoln High School coach Keith Howard last fall. When asked if she would recommend other highly educated professionals to work in rural areas, she

responded, “They should give it a try.” Towles-Moore said she believes professionals encounter the same types of people in places of all sizes because people are the same wherever one goes. She has a saying about this, “People are like M&M’s. They’re different colors on the outside but all milk chocolate on the inside.” Lincoln also appeals to her personal tastes. In her spare time, Towles-Moore enjoys simple pleasures such as quilting and handcrafts. “The rural areas are good because they’re smaller,” she said. “It’s perfect for those like me who are looking for smaller things.”

Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

Towles-Moore has been practicing medicine since 1984. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Just as she enjoys caring for whole families, TowlesMoore is a family woman

Dr. Stacy Towles-Moore joined Baptist Health Center in Lincoln in August.

herself. She has two sons, Jordan, 20, and Marshall, 22. Both are in college preparing for professional careers of their own.

Both of her parents were in the medical business as well. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a nurse.

gen bomb. By splitting water, CellFood promises to oxygenate the blood, detoxify the body and balance the body’s pH. McSheridan calls CellFood “a little miracle in a bottle.”

they should follow with probiotics. This helps promote good bacteria coming back into the body.

matter where she is. She offers her customers at the herb shop a chance to look at her reference books and make copies to refer to so they can work on any health issues that have been plaguing them McSheridan said she just wants to help any way she can. “I offer a full line of herbs, vitamins, minerals and liquids,” McSheridan said.

Natural products used to help with health problems By MEREDITH McCAY Home staff writer

Bobbie McSheridan was inspired to research herbs not only because of her own health problems, but because of the success story of her friend’s brother. In 1983, McSheridan had been suffering from allergies and dealing with fever blisters for far too long. She heard about a friend’s brother who had been diagnosed with colon cancer and had been given only six months to live. Because of his wife’s persistence in researching herbs and natural remedies, McSheridan is happy to report “Charlie” is still alive today. She visited with her friend’s sister-inlaw and learned how to do research for her own health problems. “After that, I was always telling everybody what to do,” McSheridan said. “So when I retired, I decided to get into the business of selling herbs and helping people get rid of their health problems with natural products.” She has had the Health and Herb Shop open on East Street North for almost a year now. April 4 will mark her one-year anniversary of opening the store. McSheridan tells her customers that the body treats herbs the same way it treats foods, and that those herbs nourish the body in much the same way vegetables do. For example, black cherry juice has worked great for some people’s gout and arthritis. She tried to tell her sister that for years, but she didn’t try it until recently. Within two days her sister called her, amazed that the cherry juice had worked. Research is a big part of McSheridan bringing the best products to her customers. She looks up new products on the Internet and reads health magazines. But she also makes sure to only buy products from retailers who comply with Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations. Companies

Probiotics are another herb McSheridan highly recommends, saying that any time someone has surgery or takes antibiotics,

SHOP LOCALLY Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

Bobbie McSheridan is shown in her Health and Herb Shop on East Street North in Talladega.

are required by law to comply with the regulations, but McSheridan still checks each company out before doing business with them. Her favorite company to work with is Nature’s Sunshine, what she refers to as the “Cadillac of herbs.” She said Nature’s Sunshine goes so far as to know exactly where its herbs came from right down to which field they were grown in. The company will also include any information about whether the product has any ingredients that would expire and if so, provide an expiration date on the bottle. Another popular part of her business is the essential oils used for aromatherapy. She can recommend to customers such oils as peppermint applied directly to the forehead for headaches, lavender to help them sleep and lemon to add to their drinks. She also enjoys mixing up remedies for any customers who have more specialized needs. Nature’s Sunshine even offers classes she can attend to provide ongoing

training to better serve her customers. As she has looked at her family tree, McSheridan discovered her way with herbs may even be a family trait. “My great-great-grandmother on my father’s side was the community herb doctor,” McSheridan said. “If people were sick, they would go to her for herbs. It might even be both grandmothers because there is some evidence on my mother’s side as well.” Some of McSheridan’s top-selling herbs today include yellowroot, the black cherry juice she recommended to her sister, probiotics and Cell Food. Yellowroot has traditionally been used to help diabetics and people with high blood pressure by cooking the sticks for 20 minutes to make a tea. CellFood was invented by one of the scientists who worked on the hydrogen bomb, Dr. Everett Storey. Storey and his colleagues discovered that their work was causing them to die from radiation poisoning, so he set out to invent something that could save them using some of the same technology they had used to create the hydro-

know-how to do every kind of hair style. “After my dad got sick, I started picking it up,” Brown said. “I used to go to a lot of white barber shops and watch how they cut hair. That’s how I learned, from watching them. I didn’t go to school; it just comes naturally.” Brown said he believes there is no secret as to why Brown’s Barber and Style

Shop has stayed in business as long as is has.

Barber From Page 12A

If you can’t use scissors, know what angle to cut, like 50 degree, 60 or 80 degree angles, you aren’t a barber. You have to know where to hit it with the thinnest shield; you have to know how to razor cut. I am the best.” Watching other barbers when he was younger is what gave Brown the

McSheridan was born in Talladega and grew up in Lincoln. She has done everything from teaching kindergarten to attending law school to teaching at Talladega College to running a furniture store. But she loves the chance to spend time with people no

“The key is the good Lord,” he said. “That’s number one, if you are interested in it you are going to stay there. If you are not interested you are not going to stay. If the first year or two you see that you are not making a profit it’s time for you leave. You have to grow.”

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14A — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, February 14, 2010

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JEANNE DOWDLE RASCO, LLC •Car/Truck Accidents •Divorce/Child Custody •General Practice •Real Estate/ •Adoptions/Family Law Wills/Deeds

256-761-9992

124 Battle St. E. • Talladega “No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers”.

FREE HEARING SCREENING PATTILLO BALANCE & HEARING CENTER TINA VAN HORN Licensed Hearing Specialist Talladega Office

428 W. Battle St.Talladega, AL Phone: (256)362-7716

ALYSON CARDEN Office Manager

In Business Since 1964

Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing evaluation and proper fit.

TITLE DEPOT TITLE PAWN

CHECK ADVANCE

222 East Street N. Talladega, AL

Phone: (256)362-2500

HEALTH & HERB SHOP

Gary Poe

John Crowe

Alex McDougald

Bring Your W-2 – Ride & Drive – Over 225 Vehicles To Choose From 1126 Snow St., Oxford, AL 800-838-5447 256-835-1120

www.averyautosales.com

Quality Used Cars – We Finance

rY our

Omega Homes, Inc.

YOU SELECT STAGE OF COMPLETION 100% Complete Ready to move in

www.omegahomes.info

Livable

Quick, No Hassle 48 Hour Loan Processing

Sweat Equity Savings

Shell Plus

“NO DOWN PAYMENT”

Thru Sheetrock Stage

For Qualified Property Owners

Shell For Free Color Brochure Thru Dry-in Stage Call Today TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU ANNISTON SYLACAUGA 800-244-9207 www.omegahomes.info 1-877-249-3001

•Carpet •Vinyl •Tile FREE s Estimate •Hardwood and Laminates 42 Years e c •Residential and Commercial Experien •Sales and Installation

Tommy & Terry Davis, owners

256/362-5636 Let Tommy, Tony & John Matson get you a great deal on the car or truck of your choice at

Tommy Matson

Tony Matson

John Matson

TM-CARS

35579 AL Hwy. 21 No. Talladega, AL

256-362-4311

Lighten Your Load... with a loan from

TOM BOWERMAN

256-362-6307

QUALITY AFFORDABLE PEST CONTROL

709 NORTH ST. E., TALLADEGA CELL 256-223-1659

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED Locally Owned & Operated

WE CARRY ALL YOUR FAVORITE SNACKS & BEVERAGES!

513 E. Battle St., Talladega, AL

EAST STREET AUTO SALES WE FINANCE 322 East Street N. • Talladega

(256) 362-2500 DOUG ANDERSON

DEW ELECTRIC

Residential & Light Commercial

BOTTLE SHOP

499 West Street N., Talladega (3 blocks West of Battle St. Next to Benny’s on Howard St.)

(256) 315-9977

“Over 20 Years of Experience” 305 1st Avenue South • Munford

(256) 223-1380 Licensed & Insured

OPEN TO 1:30 A.M. FRI. & SAT.

Come See Us!

CLARK’S INSURANCE CENTER

WE HAVE ALL MAKES & MODELS

If We Don’t Have The Vehicle That You Are Looking For... BRUCE BREWER We Will Find It!

•Consumer •Auto •Real Estate •Mobile Home Call 256-299-0026 or come by our office at Equal Opportunity Lender. All loans subject to our Normal Credit Policy.

TALLADEGA PEST CONTROL

JOSH GRAY

MOTORS www.colonialmotors.biz

411 East St. N., Talladega • 256-362-2271

J.R. Air Cooled Engine

Lawn Mowers and Chain Saws Sales and Service Briggs & Stratton • Tecumseh Snapper • Echo • Murray Honda • Husqvarna • AYP

244 West Battle, Talladega, AL

Talladega (256)761-1122

JIM ROLLINS - Owner

(256)761-1714

lan

Chris Lewullis

•WEIGHT LOSS Bobbie McSheridan •ENERGY Owner •MANY HERBAL SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES 410 East Street North (Across from Colonial Chevrolet)

59400 AL Hwy. 77 S. • Talladega

Divorces, Child Custody/Support/Visitation/Adoption, Paternity, Alimony, Felonies, Misdemeanors, DUI’s, Drug Cases, Juvenile Cases, Auto Accidents, Workers Compensation, Wills, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, General Real Estate.

T INSTAN CASH!

C We

ild

DAVIS CARPET LLC

“No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers”.

Open Mon. - Thurs. 9 to 6, Fri.& Sat. 9 to 9

Fax 256-362-6444

Attorneys at Law 256-362-6670

On The Square 362-2631 Talladega, AL

Men’s Wear

256-362-2883

om ust

OF TALLADEGA

•RESIDENTIAL •BUSINESS •COMMERCIAL 106 S. Court Square

LOURAINE ROBERTS

RACHEL HAYNES

362-3548

Margaret’s Beauty Salon

Margaret, Judy, Amy & Kathy •Cuts •Color •Foil •Perms •Nails CALL FOR APPOINTMENTS WALK-INS WELCOME

1022 Ashland Hwy., Talladega

(256)761-9327

OPEN MON.-FRI. 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM 258992